THE jury in the trial of a 19-year-old charged with the murder of his grandmother has been sworn in and sent home for the day.
Pietro Addis, of Radinden Manor Road, Hove, denies murdering his 69-year-old grandmother, restaurant boss Sue Addis, on Thursday 7 January last year. The restaurant owner was found dead at her home in Cedars Gardens, Brighton.
The trial opened today at Lewes Crown Court and is being presided over by Judge Christine Laing QC, the honorary recorder of Brighton and Hove.
The 19-year-old sat in the dock with his head bowed during the opening of the trial.
Reporting restrictions protected the identity of Addis until his 18th birthday in March last year.
Rossano Scamardella QC is prosecuting the case, with Sarah Elliott QC and Daniella Waddoup defending.
The Addis family own Pinocchio and Donatello restaurants in Brighton.
The jury will return to court tomorrow at 10.30am.
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